But, more importantly, it shows how the mother-daughter relationship can be mended through patience, courage, and love. Brave successfully illustrates how forcing gender stereotypes on a young woman can negatively affect a family (although not every mom gets turned into a bear during the conflict, I'll admit). Instead of focusing on a princess who longs to find her own true love, the movie focuses on the relationship between Merida and her mother - which is really unique considering most Disney princesses don't even have mothers, so that important relationship usually gets totally ignored.

Plus, she could definitely give Katniss a run for her money in an archery match.Īlthough the 'princess who doesn't want an arranged marriage' plot device has been used countless times, Brave took it in a way more interesting and progressive direction. Merida is Disney's best feminist princess thanks to her fierce independence, courage, and refusal to conform to any stereotype that doesn't suit her. I never thought I could love a Disney princess more than Belle, but Merida's story was such a refreshing departure from the typical formula that she won me over instantly.

When it was announced that Merida from Brave will appear on Season 5 of Once Upon A Time, I jumped for joy because there are few film characters (Disney or otherwise) who I love quite as much as this plucky, arrow-wielding princess.

Merida brave disney princess